The Assumption of the Theotokos  (August 15) is the largest of all church holidays dedicated to the Mother of God. It is associated with the so-called dormition of the Holy Theotokos. Before leaving the earthly world, the 64-year-old Virgin Mary wished to see all the apostles once more, after which the angels took her soul. She was buried in a cave next to the Garden of Gethsemane, which remained empty on the third day because the Virgin was resurrected.

The Christian Church has been celebrating this day since the first centuries of Christianity, and Bulgaria until today, on August 15 thousands of believers flock to the temples and monasteries bearing the name of the Mother of God.

Assumption of Mary – the most revered feast of the Mother of God in the Christian world

The village of Saparevo is one of the places that attract worshipers today. Its church of the Assumption of the Virgin is perched on a small hill, and next to it rises a monolithic tower with a clock and a bell, which still resonates throughout the area. The history of the church is full of legends, and the impressive frescoes covering its walls do not leave any heart indifferent. The publication of Radio Bulgaria "The Assumption of Mary Church in Saparevo – a small replica of the temple in Rila Monastery" tells us more about this monastery and the masters who created the frescoes on its walls.

Compiled by Elena Karkalanova